Implant Antenna Gaps Prevent Current Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reliable communication between implantable medical devices and external devices is challenging due to signal attenuation by the human body, especially for deeper implants or misaligned coils, which leads to inefficient power transfer and unreliable radio links.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system with a communications antenna featuring a differential transmission line, conductive elements, and gaps between them to prevent current induction in a magnetic field, allowing for efficient RF energy transmission and reception while minimizing interference from the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio signals are used for communication between implantable devices and external devices, then communication can be established, but signal attenuation by the human body disrupts communication signals leading to unreliable radio links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field modulation as an intermediary mechanism to enable communication. Instead of relying on traditional radio frequency signals that are heavily attenuated by the body, the system modulates the magnetic field used for wireless power transfer to carry communication data. This intermediary approach allows information to be transmitted through the body tissue without suffering from the same attenuation problems that affect RF communication signals.
2Reliability
If in-band communication is used by modulating receiver load, then communication can be achieved, but additional electronics in the resonant circuit lower power transfer efficiency and cause additional heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic field carrier wave serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same magnetic field that is used for wireless power transfer also carries the communication data through load modulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication electronics in the resonant circuit, thereby maintaining power transfer efficiency while enabling reliable communication.
3Reliability
If the receiver coil is positioned just under the skin with mechanical alignment features, then coil alignment can be maintained, but the size and power requirements of implanted devices are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic alignment compensation techniques that allow the system to maintain effective coupling between transmit and receive coils even when their relative positions or orientations change. This dynamic adaptation enables larger, more powerful implanted devices to be positioned at deeper or more versatile locations without requiring rigid mechanical alignment features.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables effective communication and power transfer with reduced signal loss, maintaining efficient energy transfer even at deeper implant depths and varying coil orientations, improving the reliability of radio links.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of conductive elements coupled to the differential transmission line and configured to radiate RF energy to transmit and receive radio information
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of gaps positioned between adjacent conductive elements, the gaps being configured to prevent or reduce induction of current in the plurality of conductive elements when the antenna is exposed to a magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and communications are provided. In one embodiment, a wireless power transfer system comprises an external transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power, an implantable receive resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the transmit resonator, and communications antenna in the implantable receive resonator configured to send communication information to the transmit resonator. The communications antenna can include a plurality of gaps positioned between adjacent conductive elements, the gaps being configured to prevent or reduce induction of current in the plurality of conductive elements when the antenna is exposed to a magnetic field.